Letters to the editor for Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012

Saturday

Sep 29, 2012 at 12:01 AM

It is amazing to me to have "administrators' " cite an increase in the number of students taking the exam as a possible reason for the lower scores.

I'm responding to the recent headline, "Flagler SATs below average."I was a high school teacher for 32 years, and had many of my students take the standardized tests from the state of Connecticut and the SATs. During that time our averages rose and fell, and were reported to the media. It is amazing to me to have "administrators' " cite an increase in the number of students taking the exam as a possible reason for the lower scores. How many more? Nine! Nine more took the exam — out of 505 — so scores could have fallen. But couldn't those students have made the scores rise? We are too ready to cite blame for a year or two of lower scores, and too quick to praise why a score may rise over a short period. The administrators could cite a different population of students taking the test. They could publish a trend over five years. They could cite the new schedule that keeps costs down — and it goes on and on. We also see what appears to be more administration. An "academic coach" for teachers. An administrator for assessment and accountability and equity. What is that? Do they realize that some students are taking a full year of a class in one-half of the school year, and then do not get that subject again until the following school year? What happens over that time to reinforce the subject matter before taking the test the following year? As always, the standardized tests are bantered about in the media to show this school is higher than that school, without regard to what is actually being successfully taught by our teachers. Smaller classes work! Teaching how to learn and the joy of learning — not the teaching to a particular test — is important.

GLENN PARTELOW

Palm Coast

There has been much talk recently about the redistribution of wealth and class warfare. Before we can come to a conclusion, we should examine the facts. The median income of workers in the bottom 99 percent income bracket has been decreasing after inflation adjustments — not just the last four years, but in the last three decades. During this time, the median income of those in the top 1 percent bracket has increased by a factor of three times. Also the ratio of CEO income to lowest corporate employee income has risen to approximately 250-to-one. Now let's ask the question: Who is waging class warfare on whom, and where has the nation's wealth been redistributed?

WILLIAM HASSELBUSCH Jr.

Palm Coast

President Obama calls the leaders of the countries involved in violent protests and turmoil in the middle of the night? He should be in New York sitting down eye-to-eye, and telling them what the U.S. expects — and mean what he says: If they don't get their house in order, the foreign aid they now receive could be in serious jeopardy. Instead, what does he do? He runs from issues like a little puppy dog with his tail between his legs. My God, for the first time in 70 years I find myself ashamed to be an American because of the policies and decisions coming out of this White House. America, if you haven't seen enough by now, you better take a real hard look at what the future holds for you and your families. This country needs a change at the top, and we can't wait any longer.

DON McCANN

Daytona Beach

I just saw "Last Ounce of Courage." It's a movie about how our personal freedoms are eroding one by one because we are letting them. Christmas, which has long been an American tradition from the birth of our nation, offends a minority. So we have allowed it to be replaced with commercialism and called it a "winter holiday." Did you know Christmas is a federal holiday? In 1870, Congress and President Ulysses S. Grant designated it as such. Although I'm a Christian, the movie is much more than how our Judeo-Christian foundations are being stripped daily. It's also about how our freedoms are being taken whether you have faith or not.However, today if you are a Christian, you are allotted even less tolerance. If you are of another faith, please do worship even in the public square. If you are of no faith, please enjoy your right. But do not forbid the Christian traditions held dear by still the majority of this great nation. Yes, we are still a Judeo-Christian nation. Our troops have fought for all to exercise their freedoms even if they are not to our liking. My father served in World War II, was captured and contracted TB in a German prison camp. He was one of the fortunate ones and made it home, but died before his time because of what he went through. He loved this country and would have served again, but I am glad he is not here today to see what has happened to the America he knew, loved and fought for. The way I see it, this election boils down to two options and we are at a crossroads. Do you want more government control or do you want freedom? I pray you make the right decision and vote this November.

MARCIA J. MONTGOMERY

South Daytona

Palm Coast's City Repertory Theater, producer John Sbordone, choreographer Dianne Ellertsen and the entire cast deserve a standing ovation for their sterling rendition of the musical, "Jacques Brel Is Alive And Living In Paris." The four actor-singers, Laniece Wilson-Fagundes, Brett Cunningham, Manny DaMata and Kelly Nelson, are also to be congratulated for an excellent performance. The company made the music of Belgium-born Jacques Brel live again, for appreciation by a local audience.

We are looking forward to an equally entertaining performance of George Bernard Shaw's "Pygmalion," coming up in November. Palm Coast is rightly proud of the exceptional talent that has made possible our own city repertory theater.

AMI PAULETTE LANE

Palm Coast

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.